Sandra and Douglas Bergeron announced today the establishment of a unique $1 million scholarship-mentorship endowment to Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business.

The Bergeron Women in Technology Leadership Fund will be awarded annually to five female undergraduate or graduate students who have expressed or demonstrated high potential for leadership careers in technology. It is expected that the endowment, together with additional contributions from Georgia business leaders, will fund this award in perpetuity.

This scholarship fund uniquely partners a fully paid tuition award with a one-on-one mentorship program designed to assist high-potential women in their educational and career advancement. The Mentorship Committee will be chaired by Mrs. Bergeron and is expected to include other female CEOs and female leadership models.

Dean H. Fenwick Huss added, “The Robinson College is extremely grateful to Sandra and Doug Bergeron for this gift. The College has one of the most highly ranked Computer Information Systems (CIS) programs in the world. These scholarships will enable more of the best and brightest to take advantage of this and other programs and prepare themselves for leadership positions in the exciting world of computer science and technology.”

Sandra Bergeron, a graduate of Georgia State University, is one of the highest regarded female technology leaders in Silicon Valley. Mrs. Bergeron currently serves as Chairman of the Board of TraceSecurity, Inc. and also serves as a director of ArcSight Inc., Qualys Inc., TriCipher Inc., and is a Venture Advisor to Trident Capital. Mrs. Bergeron’s national reputation as a computer security thought leader has earned her several distinctions. She has testified before Congress on how government and private industry can better prepare for virus attacks and has served on the Silicon Valley Blue Ribbon Task Force on Aviation Security and Technology. Prior to her current roles, Mrs. Bergeron served as Executive Vice President of Strategy and Research at McAfee, Inc. (NYSE: MFE).

“The combination of financial assistance and mentorship is key to advancing women into leadership positions in technology businesses and helping women to achieve their true potential,” said Mrs. Bergeron.

Douglas Bergeron, the Chairman, CEO and largest individual shareholder of VeriFone Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: PAY) agrees. “We believe that our approach to ‘active philanthropy’ is an innovative model that will make the greatest impact. Sandra and I are committed to this cause and are indebted to Georgia for its contribution to VeriFone’s success.”

VeriFone, based in San Jose, California, has an estimated 65 percent market share of the domestic electronic payment systems marketplace and employs more than 300 high technology professionals in Georgia.

Steve Strickland, director of development for the Robinson College said, “It is very significant that not only are Sandra and Doug making a financial gift, they are also offering their time to help mentor these students. They are truly exceptional people and we are proud to have their names associated with the Robinson College in this very significant way.”